5 times NBA players had heated moments with fans in the playoffs

#3. Russell Westbrook vs. 76ers

During a 2021 NBA playoff game between the Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers, Russell Westbrook had to leave the court due to an injury. However, on his way down the tunnel, one Sixers fan decided to pour popcorn over Westbrook's head.

This led to a heated exchange between the player, security, and the fan in question - with the fan ultimately being removed from the arena.

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The Wizards ultimately went on to lose the game. It was the second of a five-game series that saw the Sixers progress onto the second round with a 4-1 record in what's known as a gentleman's sweep.

#4. Carmelo Anthony vs. Denver Nuggets

Los Angeles Lakers v Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers took a shot on Carmelo Anthony, in the belief that he could adjust to the role of being a bench scorer. As it turns out, Anthony revamped his game and went on to have a successful stint in Portland before moving to the Los Angeles Lakers.

However, while with the Trail Blazers, Anthony had a heated exchange with a Denver Nuggets fan. The fan was apparently still upset at his departure to the New York Knicks almost two decades ago.

The incident happened after game one of Portland's first-round playoff series against Denver. Carmelo Anthony was visibly agitated by the abuse and tried to confront the fan before heading toward the locker room.

The Trail Blazers ultimately fell short during that playoff series, falling to Denver in six games, despite multiple big scoring nights from Damian Lillard.

#5. Malace at the palace

Arguably one of the darkest days in NBA history, malace at the palace will forever be remembered as the day players and fans collided in the worst possible way.

What started as a verbal altercation quickly escalated into physical violence before turning into an all-out brawl, showing the NBA in a negative light. It forced the league to address how players and fans interact with each other before, during, and after games.

Thankfully, there hasn't been another incident of this magnitude, but it's clear that fans are still prone to crossing the line between friendly trash-talk and abusive heckling, and that isn't good for anybody.